Zoolights has been going on for over 25 years at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and up until this weekend, I’ve haven’t ventured out to see it. It was a real treat, despite the cold, and listening to guest talk about this year’s display, comparing to previous years, it’s clear that this is an annual tradition for many. Over a half a million lights went into this year’s Zoolights displays, creating a magic world of animals, local landmarks, and festive bits of nature. My favorite was the family of polar bears with Mt. Rainier in the background, although it’s hard not to like the 22-foot giant crab with moving pincers and the replica of the twin span Narrows Bridge. Note the detail in the bridge display, right down to the white lights representing oncoming traffic and the red lights […]
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Hotel Review: Mayflower Park Hotel, Seattle
Mayflower Park Hotel Address: The Mayflower Park Hotel is located at 405 Olive Way, Seattle, Washington. Value Luxury Rating: (out of 3 hearts) Features: Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the classic European-styled Mayflower Park Hotel dates back to 1927. The lobby features chandeliers and antiques, creating an inviting atmosphere for checking in, meeting a guest or just relaxing before heading out for the day. It is accessible by light rail direct from the airport, about a 40-minute trip. The hotel has 160 rooms and 29 suites decorated in color schemes similar to the lobby, and each room features art specially designed for it. Contrasting with the classic headboards and armoires, are all the necessary modern amenities such as a flat panel television, coffee maker, and free wifi. Price Range: I stayed in a King Suite, which had […]
Read MoreHotel Review: Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel, Orlando
Address: Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is located at 5601 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida. Value Luxury Rating: (out of three hearts) Features: Located on the grounds of Universal Orlando Resort, and a short complimentary water taxi away from CityWalk and the theme parks (and through November first from Halloween Horror Nights), the hotel location is popular with guests wanting the extra benefits that come with staying on property. Those theme park benefits are substantial, adding up to real dollar and cents savings, and include: Express Pass (skip the lines) valued at up to $89/per day, priority seating at many theme park restaurants and first available seating at others, first available seating at CityWalk restaurants, complimentary water taxi to both theme parks (avoid driving and parking), complimentary shuttle to Wet ‘n Wild water park, SeaWorld, and Aquatica, and one hour early […]
Read MoreHalloween Horror Nights: A Hauntingly Good Time
As daytime segued into evening, the personality of Universal Studios Florida segued from fun and frivolity into apprehension and anxiety. I was in Orlando to attend the 25th anniversary edition of Halloween Horror Night, Was I absolutely crazy for putting myself through an evening of terror? Halloween Horror Night started in 1991 with one haunted house and was called Fright Nights. The following year it was re-named to its current moniker, scaring participants for a whopping three nights. The 2015 incarnation features nine houses, five scare zones, and two show productions over 30 nights. Was I crazy? Perhaps. But I was also ready to tackle the evening! I was privileged to attend a pre-scare media session featuring Mike Aiello (the creative force behind HHN), Jon Timon (Universal), Director John Landis (American Werewolf in London), Producer Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead co-executive producer […]
Read MorePostcard from Universal CityWalk
Located adjacent to the entrance to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal CityWalk is a three block dining, shopping, and entertainment district. It’s easily accessible by water taxi from Universal’s on property hotels and resorts. I ate at Vivo (Italian) and Antijito (Mexican), both delicious, and very different in atmosphere. You can pick up souvenirs at the Universal Studios Store (in photo), and there are several stores to pick up whatever you fogot to pack – for me that was a pair of shoes. (NOTE: My trip was sponsored by Universal.)
Read More7 Ways to Enjoy Fall in North Carolina
Fall’s blue skies, crisp temperatures, and vibrant foliage create the urge to head outside, and fresh activities across North Carolina add ways to enjoy the season. With six weeks of prime leaf looking, events that relish the harvest, and festivals energized by fall breezes, travelers find boundless rewards for exploring the state. To help autumn lovers make the most of the splendid season, superintendents from North Carolina’s state parks and other local experts will post photos and reports on fall color and activities at VisitNC.com. The website’s Fall for Fall in North Carolina section adds notes of inspiration for those seeking events with music, seafood, family activities, wine, and beer. Get started here with seven ideas for relishing fall in a new way. 1. Use your feet. Banjo tunes send runners on their way at the Rhythm & Roots Run, and more music awaits along the route. Run, stroll […]
Read MoreReview: Vice Versa at Vdarra, Las Vegas
Vice Versa Patio Lounge Address: 2600 W. Harmon Avenue, Las Vegas (at the Vdarra Hotel & Spa) MJ Rating: 1/2 (2 1/2 out of 3 stars) Features: Vice Versa is located on the center patio of the Vdarra Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas. Casual, yet hip, Vice Versa’s patio has fire pits (perfect for colder desert evenings) and a water feature that helps make you feel a little cooler during the desert heat. Indoor seating is also available. The patio lounge features tasty small plates and handcrafted cocktails, often in some surprising combinations. As they like to say, they like doing things Vice Versa. Price Range: Moderate to high, this is upscale Las Vegas, after all. Small plates start at $8 (truffle fries, fried mac and cheese bites) to $18 (three surf and turf sliders). Specialty cocktails start at $14. Happy hour is […]
Read MorePostcard from Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the first stop for many visitors to Hawaii. Some of the sights attracting visitors include: Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Waikiki Beach (and many other beaches). This is the view from my hotel balcony (Ala Moana Hotel) yesterday morning. Paradise!
Read MorePostcard from Lake Apopka
Located about 15 miles northwest of Orlando, Lake Apopka’s waterways and wetlands have been reclaimed and are being restored as an eco-preserve. An 11-mile wildlife drive, open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, dawn to dusk, gives visitors a chance to see some of the wildlife living here. On my visit I saw alligators and a variety of birds, including this Blue Heron who was strutting through the water like it owned the place. Which perhaps it does.
Read MoreHiking in Sedona is Seeing Red (Rocks)
There are plenty of reasons to make hiking part of a daily activity routine – it’s a perfect way to jump-start a healthy routine. Hiking in Sedona offers a few off-the-beaten-path trails that are not only breathtaking but also range in difficulty suitable for someone just starting out, or experienced pros looking for the next great challenge. These trails offer options ranging from biking and trail running to horseback riding and climbing and much more. With Sedona as the backdrop, visitors will rush to the illustrious trails spanning the red rock terrain, with jaw-dropping views of Sedona’s landscape and topography. Taking advantage of the backdrop, mountain-goers can bask in the sunshine while keeping their resolutions to be fit in the new year. Pro tip: If you’re not the hiker in your travel group, you can still get an appreciate for […]
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